Permutation lock



Nov. 11, 1930. A. G. HATCH PERMUTATION LOCK Filed June 29, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet l 4 7/254 rill/Ill! 4 INVENTOR By Attorneys, W

Nov. 11, 1930. A. e. HATCH PERMUTATION LOCK Filed June 29, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR By Attorneys, E ir g hmzzy.

Patented Nov. 11, 1930 I UNITED STATES AT OWE w ALEXANDER G. Enron. orreamne'ron, oixinndiricirt. essmnon .TO rnn COMPANY, or HARTFORD, connncricu'nn,conrom rron OF; CONNECTICUT Application filed une 29,

This invention relates to an improved combination lockherein disclosed as applied to an electric switch but not intended to be limited to that particular field of usefulness. n It is an object of the invention to provide a lock having a bar which may be moved endwise to either aneffective or ineffective position when in eitherof two different angular positions, and to, associate with'said e0 vented, the particular character of the two movements, whether angular or IBClDlllIlQiLl,

or otherwise, being of no importance.

The bar may bespecially designed to serve any desired purpose, but is herein disclosed .25 as the movable member of an electric switch or circuit-breaker, and the permutation mechanism is so associated with theba'r, when inone of its angular positions, that it may be locked in its open circuitpos'ition, whereas 3 it may be moved freely from open circuit to closed circuit position, and vice versa,

when in the other of its twoangular positions. The relation of the permutation mechanism tothe bar'is alsosuch that when the "3 latter is in its last-mentioned angular position,

which may bedesignated as itsl free p osi tlon, the mechamsmmay prevent its return toits first-mentioned angular posltion, which may be designated as its controlled position, unless the permutation mechanism is first set. a

-It-is a further object of the invention to provide improved means whereby the com bination of the lock may be readily changed and means to prevent a change of the coin bination by one not informedas to the com-.

bination in accordance with Whichthe lock may have previously been set.

Itis a further object of theinvention tov 50 insure the return of the combinationrchange.

ing mechanism to its normal condition whenever i-thas beeiroperatedto effect change of the ooinbi'nation.

Other important features of the invention are directed to an improvement in the form and arr ngement of the ermutation wheels and parts thereof which acil-itate the setting and reading of the combination and simplify Certain parts of the mechanism intended to prevent the picking of the lock.

In thedrawings illustrating the preferred formoi the invention,

-Figure l is a faceviewof the lock with theline 3-3 of Fig. 1, looking in the directi'odindicated bythe arrows;

Fig.4 is a cross-sectional view of the'lock alongthe line of Fig. 3, looking in'the direction indicated by the arrows.

Fig. 5 is aside view of the lock looking in a direction at right angles to that of the direction of view of Fi 3, parts being re moved to eveal underlying structure. and parts being shown in section: a

Fig. dis a similar view with additional parts of themechanism removed to reveal other f underlying parts of the structure.

Fig. is across-sectional View through the switch controlling bar, theba'r being repre sented inthe position which it occupies when turned *fromits controlled positionto its free position. i a

Fig. 8 is a-viewsimilar to Figl 7, the switch Controlling bar being indicatedwin" its'free circuit-closing position.

F ig. 9is a view similar to Fig. 7,,the bar beingiindicated in its free open circuit positiona J I 1 Fig. 10 is a View of the lock in cross-section along the line 10-l0, of Fig. 2, looking .I

in the direction indicated bythe arrows.

Fig. llis, a Cross sectional view, along the line 11ll,'of a, part of the permutation mechanism shown in Fig. 10, looking in the direction indicatedby arrows.

lUll

Fig; 12 is a cross-sectional'view, along the line-12-12, of another part ofthepermutation mechanism shown in Fig. 10, looking in the} direction indicated by the arrows.

For purposes. of illustration the invention isherein disclosed as applied to a switch look adapted to be 'mounted on the instrument boardof a motor vehicle and used as asub- *stitute for the ordinary key-controlled switch by which the ignition circuit may be." t opened and closed." QIt'comprises-a basing or mounting member including: a central 'supporting disk (Figs. land having secured thereto an upper framework 21'and' a lower framework 22. Securedatthetop of the framework21 is an upper disk 23, which may: becovered' by a faceplate 24jjheld=in finishing ring25,

place by a clamping'and and a backing. ring 26. I

be closed between two electric terminals 31 (F ig.-

. provided. ,with suitable bindingposts (not ShOWIll bIYIIlQLIlS of'which they,

-' may be included in the electric circuit to be controlled by the fswitchJ-r I The bandfof conducting'material beemounted on a sleeve of insulating material 32 carriedat the end of the bar 27, a portion of which may be exposed adjacent the eonnector so that, on movement ofv the bar '27 it may be interposed'be tween the contacts3l and thus serve as cuit. a v n The bar 27 mayj under certain conditions be moved from; the angular position indicated in Figs. 1, 3, 5,jand 6 which will herein afteribe referredto-as its A? position, to the angular position in? which it ,is indicated in Figs. ,7, 8 and 9,: which will hereinafter be. 'referred to as its B? position. The A? position' of thebarl27 is thefposition heretofore, referred to as its .i-cont'rolledposition, and" j the B position of thebar 27-is the position heretofore referred to as its-free position.-

- 'When in elther its angular posltlon A or the A position and the B ;p ositi0n,rei its angular position YB,the bar 27, unless prevented by the permutation mechanism,

may be movedfrom an-open circuit position illustrated in Figs. 3, 6 and 9 to a closedc'ircuit. position indicated in Figs. 51 and 7. a

matter of convenience the two opencircu-lt positions will hereinafter be referred to as spectively. j The twocircuit-c los iig positions will be referred to has ween-eepesu and the B position,respectively? '1 7 a meansof opening the ci-r- When the bar 27 is in its B position it maybe moved to a position intermediate its j 1 B position and its B? position as indicated in Fig. 8, which is also a circuit-closing position with respect to the contacts 31.

Except when the bar'27 is in-its A 'position orits B position, rotation-from one ,angularjposition to the other is prevented by 7 means 'of a pin having projecting end por-, n's' adapted to serve asstops 33, 3 l- Figs. 2

a 3) and a portion of the upper frame- ,2licomprising a wall partly sur-Q rounding'the bar 27 and extensions thereof 3 6, 37. so positionedzasto permit the stops 33,]: 34 to freely share the endwise movement of the bar.- -Theheight ofthewcurved wall 35 is suclrthat the stops-33, 34-.aremoved to a;

positionijust clear of 'the same when the bar 27 is moveldto its A orftB f position. The wall elements 36,37:extend-upwardly to the fdiSlCQf'} as, indicated in Fig. 3. The stop33 ,is of sufiicient length to extend beyond the "opening in the framework above the curved 'wa'll element 35, thereby preventing rotation fo f'the bar=27in a clockwise ldirection,as in dicatedin Fig.j-2,when the bar is i i-its angu-. lar position A, but the stop 34 -issomewhat.

shorter 'sO-EH S to clear the wall-element 37 Fi .2 when the bar, is in its A osition: i 2- P and; permit-the bar to be rotated in a counter clockwise; directioin as indicated. In Fig. 2,

through,- an angle of 180 ;u ntilthe'stop i is brou'ght into contact with the wall element alongthe upper. surface of the circular wall element'35, After thebar has been thus 'ro tated to---its, tB position, the position. in

whichit is indicated in Fig.7, it may be dicated in 'Fig. 9, through the intermediate position, in which'it'is indicated injFig. 8,

. 37. Duringrthismovementthe stop 34 moves 7 V J f V 1 .0

movedv endwise to. its B ;.position, as in V V hereinafter" referred to as its @13 position.

During this movementofthe bar :27 the stop 7 w 33 is free to move along the surface of the ill element 37 and the stop 1 34 is free to move along the wall element 36', but the barmay not be rotatedback to-its A posi-- tion eXcept-whenfit has [been gmoved. to its B p'ositionyas indicated inFig. 7.

The, movements of the bar 27 are directly elusive). As best illustrated in Figs. 4 and- 6, this latch has a slot; 38 at its' rear end, through-Which passes a-pin;;39-fixed,in the V V 7 lowergframeworkl22; The forward endof the latch passes through aslot in'a partition 40 also; forming a fixed part of the lower framework; Intermediate the pin-and-slot' connection 38, 39 and-the slotted1guideway' V '41 in the partition 40 the latchpasses through a "slotfin. a'slide barie2, .the, length of the slot" having sufficient clearance topermit a slight Q rocking movement betweenthelatch and the slide bar; The-ends ofQ-the-slidbar 42 are 7 inountedin guideways 431-(Figs. rand-10),

which permit the slide-bar, when the permit tation mechanism, j hereinafter to be ere plained,;has been set in a predetermined relation. to be moved upwardlyor to the left as ill itrated in Fig, 6, thus permitting the latch'to be rotated to a limited extent in a counterclockwise direction as indicated by broken lines. Except when the permutation mechanisnihas been so set, movement-obm structing elements of said mechanism prevent any appreciable movement of the slidebaret2 from the position in which it is indicated in Fig. 6. t will be apparent, however that, irrespective of any movement of theslidebar, the latch' 28 may be moved "rearwardly, that is, downwardly, as inclicated in Fig. 6, to an extent dependent upon the length of the slot 38, the free end the l'atchbeingpermitted tomove through the slot 451 in the partition and the slot inthe slide-bar l2;

In order thatthe movements of the bar 27 may be controlled by the latch 28 in the desired manner, the bar is provided with various keepers and cam surfaces,"as clearly indicated inFi'gs; 5 to 9, inclusive, which will now be explained. i To'enable the latch to hold the bar fast in its A position as indicated in Fig. 6, the

" ao bar isprovided with an abrupt shoulder 44-.

adapted toserve as a'keeper. "So long the slide-bar 42 is prevented 'frominoving by 'nie penmaanon mechanism, the bar 27 is held fast bythe latch and cannot be moved to its A? position 1 illI'CllllJ-GlOSlHg position illustrated in 'Fig. 5. On setting the permutation mechanism, however, the clearance-ways in the permutation mechanism are brought into registration withthe slide- 7 1.31 bar-e2, after which the bar 27j'may be pulled upwardly or to the left, asindicated in Fig. *6,tothe circuit-closingposition A indicated in 5, the barbeing provided with a knurled head lF) iorsuchpurpo A sthe bar 27 1novesfrom its A -1)OSlLlOn to its A 1iosition,the latch 28 is caused to swing about-"the pin .39 nntil its nose moves clear "of the stop' ll, afterwhichthe latch is caused toreturn toits normal positionby means of a s rin 416 i (see t end 5). one end 01": which is secured to a partoi'the lower framework and the other end to the latch. "The "movements of the'bar. 27 from its A? posh tion to its A? positionand vice versa are )5 limited by stopse'f, 48,which 1nalre contact withadjacent portions of the upper framework. i i 911 "the bar just'below the keeper 44, a canrsurface 49 5) by which, as the en bar 27'is returned from its A position F-i gn'fil to its A position (Fig; 6), the .latclrmay be moved rearwardlyindependently of the condition of the permutation mechanism to a position such as to permit et the keeper to be snapp'ed under the latch,

after which the latch may bereturned to its normal position by a spring fiO best illustrated in Fig. 4, one end of said spring being connected to the latch and the other end to some appropriate part of the lower framework.

When the bar 27 is in its A position (Fig. 5) it may be freely rotated to its 13 position (Fig. 7), during whichxrotation the latch will be cammed rearwardly out of the notch ad acent the cam surface 49 until the noseof the latch rests against the adjacent cylindrical portion of the bar. A slight depression of the bar 27 from its 13 position, that is, a movement towards the right as viewed in Fig. 7, will cause it to be moved to its B position as indicated in Fig. 8. As a means of determining this position. the bar 27 is provided with a notch into which the latch ma be moved by the spring 50.

The form of thisrnotch is such as to provide an abrupt shoulder 51, adaptedto serve as alzeeper, and a cam-like surface 52. The kee er 51 cooperates with the latch. as a means whereby the retnrnof the bar 27 to its B position (Fig. 7) isprevented except when the permutation mecha m has been set so to free the slide-bar 412. The cam-like surface 52 provides means whereby the latch may be moved rearwardly to a sufficient distanceto free the bar 27*andper1nit it to be moved to its 13 position (Fig. 9).

position indicated in Fig. 18 to its B? position indicated in Fig. 7, during which the ilatch28 will be swung orrotated slightly aboutthe pin. 39 without beinglrelcased from the keeper 51. -VVhile thebar is held in its B? position against the effort of the spring 46, it may be rotated in clockwise direction as indicated in Fig. 2 toits A? position, during which the nose of the latclrwi ll be cammed out er its engaging relation with the keeper 51 and permitted to return to its 1 normal position as indicated in Fig. 5.

The permutation mechanism which the movements ofthe slide-bar 42 are controlled is best illustrated by Figs. 10, 11 and 12 This mechanism comprises, in general,=a number of permutation wheels each of which has a concealed lock-controlling elementand a setting elementnormally in coupled relationship with its loclecontrolling element, a portion of which is accessible for manipulation from the exterior of the casing. In the form inwhlch the mechanism is herein disclosed it comprises four setting. elements 54, 55,. 56

' and .57, normally in coupled relationship with their respective lock-controlling elements 58, 59, 60 and 61', the couplingmeansbelng such that the respective elements may be readily uncoupled for a purpose which will hereinafter he explained.

7 The setting elements 5.4L to-57, inclusive, are provided with cylindrical surfaces 62 having markings thereon representative of the various positions in whichthe permutation Wheels may be set. In the form herein disclosed, each wheel may be set in ten difierent positions and the setting elements there'- fore bear equally-spaced markings comprising a zero and the numerals cated in Fig. 2. v 1 V Y In order that the markings on the permu- "tation wheels may be observed through windows 63 in the casing of limited dimensions sothat all of the markings except one on each wheel may be concealed, the wheels are so mounted that the surfaces 62 of the setting elements are slightly-back of the surface of the face plate (see Fig.6). To facilitate the manipulation of the permutation Wheels each-of the settingelements' is provided with a fiange164t (Figs. 6 and 10) oftincreased diameter, adapted: to-project; through slots. 65 in the face plate, and such flanges may beslightly scalloped or otherwise roughened to providefsuitable fingerholds in their exposed edges.

7 Each ofthelock-co'ntrolling elements58 to 61, inclusive, is provided with .a cylindrical I portion 66 adapted to obstruct movementof portions 67 of the slide-bar 42 except when in one'ofits ten positions, at which-time a slot 68, in the lock controlling element is" 7 .'moved into. registration with the adjacent part "67 of theislide-bar so :as to form a clear- 7 r ance-way'within which the part 67 may move.

ai V

. elements 58 and60 are represented as having In Fig. 10 of thedrawingthe lock-controlling been moved to positions such as would bring their slots 68in ,registra tioniwiththe parts 67 of theslide-bar. The lock-controllingelements'59 and 61 are in such positionasito prevent movement of. the slidebar. Not un- Q til all four of the; lock-controlling elements have been moved'to the positions indicated in Fig. 12,- in which-the slot 68 is in registra tion with the part6? of the"slide,-bar,-a'rec the parts 67 free.tobemoved into said slots and per-mitthermovementsof the slide-bar: and latch upon which certain of thef'movements of the'ba'r 27 are dependent,:asalready explained.) This movement of, the latch V which is dependentupon the movement of the elements :67 of the slide-bar into the notches 8 '68 of the lock-controlling elements, may be,

referred .to as itskeeper-releasing? movement, and the position-to .which it is moved these slots conforms in shape with the en 1 to .9, as indi-' its, keeper-releasing p'osition, .asdistinguished' from the rearward bar-releasing movement. of the latch independentlyofthe movement of the slide-bars r r In order that the position ofthe. slots 68 in the movement-obstructing elements 66 may not be ascertained by pulling the elements 67 into engagement With the movement-obstructing elements and then. rotating'the permutation wheels so as to discover the positions of the'slots by the sense of feeling, each movement-obstructing element 66 is provided with false slots 68 corresponding in numberand the permutation'wheels maybe set. Each of trance to the slots 68, so that,'while the'move .ment of the slide bar is prevented b'yYany one of the lock-controlling elements, the sensation" which would be produced rotation of any one of the other lock-controlling elementsto each of;its ten positions would be identical, 7 i- .thus rendering the discovery ofthe positions 1 of the slots impossible.

The purpose of making the' setting ele spacing with the number of positions in which inents of the. permutation wheels separate fromv the lock-controlling elements'and providing separable couplings to normally preserve their angular relations 1 s'to 'makeit I possible to change the combination, as'will be hereinafter more fully m nsatisfactory form of li illustrated in v7 in Figs. IOand 11 is effected by providingeach .of the setting elements 54 to 57, inclusive, with inwardly-directedteeth 69. equal in number to the number of positions in which the permutation wheel'smay beset, andbyproviding each of the lock-controlling elements 58 to '61-,

inclusive,.-with"one or more teethZOof which jfonr are used in the. formof the invention illustrated in Fig.11. V In order that the lock controlling elements 58 to 61, inclusive, may

be, temporarily' "uncoupled from, the setting elementsl54l to 57, inclusive, when it is de-'- sired'to 'c'hange'the combination, the setting elementsfare so mountedin' the casing that I -movement in an axial directionis prevented,

whereas the lock-controlling elements areso I direction with respectto the setting elements re held fast. "To this end, the four -lock-con-- trolling elements' 58 to 61, inclusive, are r'o-Z mounted thatith'ey may be shiftedinan axial .sufiicie'ntly' to remove the-teethi-TO fromthe teeth69 and permit the setting elements to be rotat'ed while the lock-controllingelements mosai endi75of. the shaft 7l'whichgcxtends beyond thehead 74: is, a, stop member 7 6 and a manipulator7 7 the purpose of which will hereinatter e pla ne -a a i 1 7 a i a Subject to the controlling-effect, of certain stops and 1110VGIHEDPObSlEUClZlDg elements hereinafter to be described the-shaft 71, nut 72, head 74;, stop: member 76, manipulator, 77 andl'ock-controlling elements 58 to 61, incluslvel may beshifted. as aunit from the posis tion indicatedin Eigi lfilgtowards the left to a position suchthat theteeth70 ot'eachleekcontrolling clement wilhbe movedout of their meshing relationship with theteeth' the setting elements, so that thelatter may be rotated jwith, respect to the, former in order to eh age the combination ot'the lock. i

1. During the a -ialmovernent of, the lock-con trolling elementsaxial' movement ofthe set t e e m nts is p ented by the a se whichcxtend throughtheslots 65in the face plate and through slots 7 8 thelbase portion ot t-heg upper framework 21. Thesetting elements are also maintained .in a uniformly spaoed relation means of the anti-pieking guards 79. 80 and 81, to behereinafter dejscribed. The shaft7l, manipulator 77 and associated parts by means ofwhich thelocle controlling elementsymay beshiftedn out of their-coupled,irelation qwithrespect to the setting elements may be; referred to, as the couplin disabling deviee? of the lo clr.

"It w,ill, be observed; that the alltlrPIC IKlng guards 79, 80 and 8 11 constitute annular bands arnangedin anovcnlapplng or telescopin a a. l 8' lation with respect. to the setting elements so asto completely enclosethe slotted lock-controlling elements. These guards therefore, make it impossibleto, discover the relation whichexists betweenthe positions oft-he slots in the lock-controlling elements and the posi' tions of the numerals or other markings on the set-ting ,elements inserting feelers t u h e nfl ws dslQt-s in e sin at which portione of. the setting elements are exposed, for purposes oi manipulation. and

observation.

7 These anti pickinm uards are slotted at l l b :5 i i i points 82 tarthestremoveditrom the windows 63z-and slots 65 int-he casing to permit; the

parts 67 of theslide bar 421126 enter the slots 68 in the lock-controlling elements. Except for. these slots 82 the; antirpickin g guards are imperforate.

-In,order that the combination may not be changed by anyone other than a, per-son'who knowsthe combmat on in accordance with V which the lockhas'fprevionsly been, set,

means are providedjto'preyent the endwise or axial movement of the lock-controlling elements by the coupling; disabling. device without first settingthe QBImntation wheels in accordance with the old combinationl To h sv snd, e e P QkiHa ard s t em n ed naem a a h st j t. to i he left of its vslot 82, as indicated Eig. 10,

In like manner, the anti-picking guard 80 is provided with l a similar stop 84, which cooperates with the movement obstructing element 66 of the lock-controlling element 5% to prevent axial movementofsaid lock-con:

trolling element *withoutffirst bringing; its slot 68 intoregistration with said stop.

*In the preferred form the invention herein disclosed, the position towhich the inovementgobstructing element, Q66 ofpthe lock-controlling element 60is movedto effeet a change of the combination is such that no part; o tthe anti-picking guard 80 is available for use asa stop. To, providea stop for thiseelement similar in principlefto the stops provided for the, lock controlling elements 58 and 59, the l ocl -controlling=eles ment 60 is; grooved circumferentiallyamid way between its ends sesame portion ct the"loclbcontrolling element at the right the groove is providedwithanslotBG: in alignment with its slot 68, and the" righthandend of the anti-picking element 80 is bent orzcrimped inwardly to provide a stop 87 GXtGnClll'lflYSOlIlGWllill] "farther inwardly than does its stop 84, soas to cooperate with the slotted portion 86,01? the lbclvcontrol: ling element 60 in the same manner that the stop 83 cooperates with theslotted portion 68 of the lock-controlling element 58. Like; wise, the, anti pickingiguard 81 is, provided at its right-side with a stop 88 adapted to cooperate in a similarvmanner with aislot in the right hand end portion 8970f the lockcontrolling element 61. l 3 a It is an object otthe invention to provide means whereby the 7 parts i of the mechanism may be automatically returned to their normal positions after theyhave been shifted for the purpose of changing the combination and yet permit the parts to be held in their shifted? relationship while the combination is beingchanged. To this end, a springQOris inserted between aportion of theaupper framework 21 and the stop/76 onthe shaft 71, by which theshalft and 1 all parts connectedtherewith may beflrestored to normal positions after a, change of the combination has been effected.

@ 71 we hatf heiw p g disabling w ea may be "maintained t as shiftedmesi .tion whileal change of the combination is' being effected, the manipulator 77 (Fig'lO) is extended upwardly throughan L'shaped slot 91 in'theface plate (Fig.1) so that,

when moyed'to the left to its coupling'dis- 'abling position, the manipulator may be moved forwardly into anotched portion"92 of the slot- 91 and heldfin that'position against thefopposing effort of the spring 90. l/Vhenthe'c'hange ofthe combination ha's been effected, the en d' of -the-manipu'-' [after which; the spring wiumum the con lator77 may bfemoved out'ofthe' notch92,

pling disabling device associated parts of themechanism to their normal positmns.

" As" a further assurance against the dis-' turbance of the, combination byf'any'one other than an authorized person, means Q If provided to prevent a changeofthe eo ibig nation except when the-bar 27 has been movedito its released position, that is," either its A position or its B ,p o'sition; To this end, the stop 76 is provided, i'said stop having a portion 93 (Fig. 2) ;of awidth adaptedto move freely betweenthe upper disk 23iand the, lower wan of the framework v 721, as indicated in Figfg, said step also hav ing a .finger 94 so positioned and of such form thatitmayenter aislot 95 in the bar 27'. onlywhen the'bar has been moved to its A or..vB position. When the bar in any other: positionfmovementof' the finger and associated'parts to-f the left"'is preented by the portiOnQ'QS' of'thebar 27;, as indicated. in Figs. 2 and 3.

The stop 7 6 also cooperates with the-bar 27 in such; manner asto' preyent the movement of the latter froinitsfA or B position to .any 0ther position while the' coupling dis abling'deyice and associated parts are in the positions to which they are shifted when the combination is to be'ehanged." This will be apparent on reference to Fig. 3 in which it will be seen that, when the bar 27 has been movediforwardly to bring the slot 95 in alignmentwiththe"linger ffl (see Fig. 7) and the 5 finger 9f]: 1noved tolthe left into its engaging relation withtheparts of the bar 27' adjoining the. slot,95, the return of the bar 27 to the position indicated in Fig: 3 will be '31'"evented. on moving the'couplingdisabling device-and associated parts including the'stop 76 to the right, the finger 94 releases the bar 27,;Which may thenbefreely moved subject onlyto its control, by the permutation mechanism." ,7

iQ In order that the manipulator'77maybe rocked sufliciently to permit it to' ino've into n O of h I 1l F with i t o' rocking the stops? 6 whichis intended to have I a sliding moyement only in the upperframeworlgfthe manipulator may: be riveted or 1 otherw se permanently secured to theend 'o f th Sha t asji ia df n',F g l (and the extension 7 5 may be slightly longer than the 'lhicknssdqf thitbp- 76 501 151; the miiipa c r jyjbe rocked without ro'elnl later and shaft m" 7 In the preferred form vof the i11y'ention,'the

setting elements of thepermutation wheels t are mounted in groups, the group at the right V v side of the mechanism having their setting flanges tie at the right; sides of the setting elements, andthe' group at theleftend'of the mechanism having their setting flanges at the 'left'jsidesfof the setting? elements. This atrangement is of importance in'that'it divides" 1 Y a the number representing the combination [of the look into a subdivided'form' more easily .7 W

read, and; positions the, setting flanges in groups which" may be I more conveniently 'manipulated' during"the settingf'operation,"

especially when settingthe device in the dark in a manner [to behereinafterexplained,

This group'i'ng of the fpermutatio n wheels is also of importance that it disposes the movement-obstructing members of the lock controlling elements at," each end of f the V mechanism on the side o-f the setting element: nearest the center of the mechanism; This makes it' possible to enclose all fVthe'JmOVevment ob'strnoting elements within a series of ant -picking guards extending from setting element :to setting element without requiring 1 any guard} to be extended from either of the and :spring-detents maylbe pro Vided so positioned as to be moved into said notches and yieldinglylholdthe setting ele ments in anyone of their ten positions; In order that it maybe possible to setthe combination by the sense of feeling alone when illumination istrnot V aya ilabla one ofwthe v Y notches97, as indicatedat 99 (Fig.5) has an abrupt shoul'der100 which prevents rotation of the'setting element in one direction. This if abrupt shoulder'is so positioned as to bring thesetting'elementto rest when rotated in one direction'to a position at which its m app var iatthe inder? 6 1( s- 1). he 1 posite walll of the notch Q9 and betlr ,walls of. all of the othernotches gfZ' are of gradual inclination so as to provide camlike,surfaces adap d W met t e IiafWlLQS 1 f" no ches on r ati m; ff ,1

the" operator rotates each of the permutation r ff? p r lltat en W e ii et ingi th fiembil'la iq iinthei dark;

Wheels n he, directs in :Wh h i will b'e' i arrested at its zero'jposition bythe,abrupt shoulder 100. 'He that rotates each it'd-Natl in the opposite directiongthrough anumber of pawl falls into each notch.

From the foregoing description it will be apparent that the lock embodies several miproved features of more or less general applione and the samestructure. y

" Theinvention maybe appliedto any device having 'a bolt 'or bar which may at times be conditioned for movement froman efi'ective cation not; necessarily dependent up on use in' to ineffective position, in one of whichit. may be locked and from which it may be released only after setting a permutation mechanism in accordance with a predetermined combinationi At othertimes the bolt or bar 'maybe conditioned for movementat will from an efiiective to an ine'fiectiye position, and its change from such conditioh to the fir'stdescribed condition made dependent upon a setting of the permutation mecha- When, as-herein disclosed, the inyention is appliedto a motor vehicle switch lock, it inay-b operated in the following: manner 1: Starting with the switch controlling bar 27 lockedin its iop'en circuit-positionAP, the 'drivervonentering the car may close the ignition circuit by setting the permutation mechanism in accordance with the combina- 1 tionof f'theilock, after which the bar be withdrawn to its circuit-closing position A In order that thedri-ve r may notf forfgetto lock theswitcln on'l'eaving the car, he nayi'mmediately disturb, the position of T oneor more of the permutationwheels,there; by at the same time eonjcealing the combina tion: When the dr'iverfdesires to leave the car, he opens. the switch: by pressing the bar to its A positi'onwin which it; isimmediateheldfast the latchf it T If, after the driver'has unlocked the switch bar and: moved it to its circuit-closing posi- V tion AWE he desirestos turnwthe car ovens attendant: at a, rage who will have occasion to move the car fromplace to place, the driver, instead rof lockingthe switchlby moning ittbits position rotatesrthelbar to 1tspos1t1on.--B? andrxpressesait inwardly to either ass-5 13mm. .BU position. When thus conditioned, the attendantat the garage may opens-andzelose the ignition circuit at will: movingttheubar from as: B2 2? "position-Std. its iBt position, on .vice' versa, but helWill beunable toidiscover the combination bfr the 1901;:- thewheels, of; which were.-. distu'rbed by the driver before turning the car over to the attendant, and the switch bar cannot be restored to its normal condition so as to be accidentally locked by movement of the bar from its A position to itsi A position without again setting the permutation mechanism in accordance withthe combination of the lock. VVhenthe car is returned tothe owner or driver who knows the combination, the lock may be restored to its normal condition by first setting the permutation mechanism, then; drawing the bolt from its B? position to its B position and rotating it toits.A?1 position. Oneor more 1 wheels of the permutation wheels should. then be again disturbed so as to con.- ceal: the combination and the lock is in readiness for normal use. It may again be locked by pressing: the bar to its A position. or

aaylbe conditioned for placing in the garage by rotation to its B position and move ment toits B position. r 1

As already explained, the combination may be changed, when desired, by first settingthe permutation mechanism in accordance with the combination previously used, then press inn the manipulator 77 (Fig. 1)to the left and moving it downwardly into the notch 92. The settingelements may then be rotated to fpositions corresponding with the desired new combination while the lockcontrolling elements are held fast bvthe stops 83, 84, 87 and 88. This movement or the manipulator 77 to its combinationchan'ging position can only be eifected when the switch-operating bar QZhas been moved to its A or 13 position, and after the manipulator of the coupling disabling device has been movedto its combinationehanging position the switch oberating bar cannot be moved out of, its A or B position without first returning the manipulator 77 and connected parts to their normal positions,

The invention is not intended to be limited to the specific form herein disclosed" fol PUT? poses, of illustration. but should be regarded as covering modifications andvariations thereof within the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

.1. lock comprising mounting member, a bar swiveledin said member sofas to be rotatable from an angnlar position A to an angularposition B; and' vice versa. the bar being movable endwise when in either of said angular positionsfrom a longitudinal position 1to a longitudinal posit on 2, and vice versa, movement-obstructing means preventing rotational movement of the bar except wheninrposition 9., a latch by which the bar may be engaged and held fast iniits A ioposition, and a permutation mechanism by which the release ofthe bar setting Qtthe mechanism 'lIli accordancen ith predetermined combination; v 2; A lock,;asdefined by claim l,'having hlatch-engaging keeperson :itsibaras the meansby Which the latch may hold the bar fast in its A? position, andxmovement-ob- V structing portions onjthe latch and-parts of the permutation mechanism 7 whereby the movement of the latch toa keeper-releasing position" may be "conditioned upon'the set; tingof the mechanism. in accordance Witha predetermined I combination, the" bar being movable from it 5 Lposition'f to as A position when themechanism is sogset,

A lock, as defined by' claim.1',.having acam-like latcli engagingelementon its bar; to serve as a means whereby the latch may .yieldingly hold the bar in sam position,

the'lat'ch being movable, by the cam-like elea -ment, irrespective ofthecondition of the permutation mechanism, 1 toa bar-releasing 7 position, thereby permitting th'e bar to. be-

"fast" in its 9A positionaai cam-like' latch; en-gaging --e-le m'ent on its bar whereby the r -latchmay, yieldinglyhold the. bar in its A position,-- Zand movement-obstructing portions con-the Ilatchand parts of the permu- V tation mechanism vvhereby the -movement of the latch toa keeper-releasing position, to permit the bar to beamoved P from its A? .position'to: its .l A- il position, may beH co'nditioned upon the setting: of themechanism in; accordance with apredetermined combination, the latch being movable, bythescam likeselement, irrespective of thecondition of the permutationmechanism, to a bar-releasmg I pos tlon, other than its keeper-releaslng position, s'uchf as Willipermit the bar to be moyed from rits A- position to its All? posit on or f om it 5A posi cnl o. itsTIB? position," resilient means being provided tending to hold the latch in its, normal-barengaging relationship andtoreturn lhitllflljfito When removed therefrom i i a I 5; A'lockfasdefined by claim 1 having a cam-lilmlatch-engaging element on its bar to serve as ameans Whereby the latch may yieldingly hold thebariin a position B intermediate its BF- andB positions, the latch being movable, by the cam like 'element,irrespective of the condition ofthe permutation mechanism, to a: bar-releasing position: such as to permit' the, bar to be moved from its B position; I

position to itsTf-B s. A, 100k, as defined b -claim 1, having a,

cam-like latch-engaging element on itsbar yieldingly hold the bar inits B position,

thelatch being movable, by'thecam-like element, irrespective of the condition of the permutation mechanism, to a bar-releasing position,there by permitting the bar to be moved from its VB position to a position 13" intermediate its B and B positions to serve as a means whereby-the latch may as defined by claim 1, having spaced oam-like latch-engaging elements on its bar to serve'as means whereby; the latch it may'yieldinglyhold the, bar, either" in its B position or i'na fB position intermediate its B position and 'its.B. v position,

the latch beingmovable, "by the cam-like elements, irrespective ofthe condition of the" permutation mechanism, to a barere'leasing position such as "to; permitthe bar to be moved'fromits B ,,position to its Bf? po- ,sition, orjvice versa, the latch having resilient means tending to hold it inits normal bar engaging relationshipvandto; return it thereto when removed therefrom, i. 5 f

-8; Adoclgfas defined byclaiml, having a latch-engaging keeper on'its barj as the means its A position, cam-like latch-engaging elements 'onythe bar wher'ebythe latch may yieldinglyhdd the bar; either in its A p0siti'on,3or in, its B p ositi )n ,ior in a B position intermediate .its; B position' and its Bwposition, a latch engaging keeper on its bar whereby the latch may prevent moveby W'hichthe' latchm'ayhold the bar fast in ment of the, bar from its B position to its fB position, movement-obstructing pore tions on the latchand parts of the permuta tionimechanism ,Whereby the movement of j the latchlto a-- keeper-releasing position, to

permit-the bar to'rbe moved \from its' 9A position to its A position, or'fromjit'sfB? position to itsfB? position, may be conditionedupon the setting of-th'eimechanism in accordance with .a predetermined. combination; the latch being 1 movable, by the cam-- like elements, irrespective of thefco'nditio'n bar to be moved from its .A position 'to' its A position, or from its A position; to its B position and'thence to its B position, or from its 13*? positionto its, "B position, or vice .versa, independently ofthe sili'ent f-means being'provided tendingtohold of 3' the permutation 1 mechanism, to f ai barreleasing-position, other than-nits keeperreleasing position such' as'wvillpermitithe' 7 thelatch in its normalbar-engagingrela t-ioiiship and; to return it moved therefrom. w .7 1

' 95 A lock-comprising a mounting member, abar svviveled in said member so as to be re;

tatable'from'anangular position A to an angular position'iB, and vice versa, thebar being'movable endwise when in either of'said v settingof the'permutation mechanism, -rell vice versa, movement-obstructing means pre-,

venting rotational movement of the bar except when in position 2, alatch by which thebar may be yieldingly held in a position B intermediate its B ,andB positions, and a permutation mechanism by which the movement of the bar from its B position to its B? position may be conditioned on the settingof the mechanism in accordance with a predetermined combination.

10. A lock, asdefined by claim 9, having a cam-like latch-engaging element on its bar to serve as a means whereby the latclrmay yieldingly hold the bar in its B position,

thelatch being movable, by said cam-like element, irrespective of the condition of the permutation mechanism, to a bar-releasing position such as to permit the bar to be moved from its B osition to its 13 osition.

11. A lock, as defined by claim 9, having a cam-like latclrengaging elementon its bar whereby the latch may yieldingly hold the bar inits B position, a latch-engaging keeper on its bar as the means by which the latch may prevent movement of the bar from its B position to its B position, and

movement-obstructing portions on the latch andparts of the permutation mechanism whereby the movement of a the latch to a keeper-releasing position, to permit the bar to be moved from its B position to its B the mechanism in accordance with a predetermined combination, the latch being mov able, by the cam-like element, irrespective ofthe condition of the permutation mechanism, to a bar-releasing position, other than its keeper-releasing position, such as will permit the bar to be moved from its 13 position its B position.

12. A lock, asdefined by claim 9, having latch-engaging keepers on its bar b which the latch may hold the bar fast lILltS A position, or may prevent movement from its B position to its B iposition, and movement-obstructing portions on the latch and parts of the permutation mechanism whereby the movement of the latch to a keeper'releasing position may beconditioned upon the setting of the mechanism in accordance with a predetermined combinatiomthe bar being movable from either its A position to its A aosition or from its 13 osition to a its B position when the mechanism is so set.

13. A lock, as defined by claim 9, havinga cam-like latch-engaging element on its bar to serve as a means whereby the latch may yieldmutation mechanism, to a bar-releasing 'position, thereby permitting the bar to be to its locked position, a cam-like element on i the bar by which the latch may yieldingly hold the bar in its released position, and a permutation mechanism by which the movement of the latch to a keeper-releasing position may be conditioned on the setting of the mechanism in accordance with a predetermined combination, the bar being movable from its locked position to its released position when r the mechanism is so set, the latch being movable by the cam-like element, irrespective of the condition of the permutation mechanism, to a bar-releasing position, other than its keeperreleasing position, such as to permit the bar to be moved from its releasedtposition to its locked position, resilient means being provided to hold the latch in its normal bar-engaging, relationship and to return it thereto when released by said keeper or by said cam-like element.

15. A permutation mechanism for a lock comprising tumblers, each having a lock-controlling element, a setting element therefor, and a coupling means normally preventing angularmovement of one with respect to the other, a coupling disabling device by which the elements of the tumblers may be uncoupled to permit the combination of the mechanism to be changed, motive means normally holding the disabling device in its normal ineffective position and tending to return it thereto when moved therefrom, and a stop into engagement with which said disabling device may be moved when in its effective positionand held against the opposing effort of saidinotive means while a change of the combination is, being effected.

16. A. permutation lock comprising a mounting member, a bar movable with respect thereto from a lockedwposition to a released position, and vice versa, a permutation mechanism by which the movement normally preventing angular movement of one with respect to the other, a coupling disabling device by which the elements of the tumblers may be uncoupled to permit the combination of the lock to be changed, and

movement-obstructing elements on said bar iii ' element therefor, and coupling means ,nor-

and disabling device to prevent an uncouplingvmovement ofthe latter without first moving the former to its released position.

117. A permutation lock comprising a 'mounting member, a bar movable with respect thereto from a locked position to a released position, and vice versa, a permutation mechanism by which the movement of the bar from its locked position to its releasedlposition may be conditioned on the setting of the mechanism in accordance Wltllfl predetermined combination, said permutation mechanism comprising tumblers each" havin a lock-controlling element, a setting 1 element therefor, and coupling means nor 7 mally preventing angular movement oi one with respect to the other, a coupling disabling device by which the elements ofthetumblers may he uncoupled to permit the combination of the lock to be changed, and movement-obstructing parts on said bar and disabling device to prevent the movement of the former from its released position to its locked position while the latter is in its couplingdisabling position.

18. A permutation lock comprising a mounting member, a bar movable with respect thereto from a locked position to a released position, and vice versa, a permutation mechanism by which the movement of the bar from its locked position to its released position may be conditioned on the setting or" the, mechanism in accordance with a predetermined combination, said permutation mechanism comprisin'g tumblers each having a lock-controlling element, a setting mally preventing'angular movement of one with respect to the other, a coupling disabling device by which the elements ofthe tumblers maybe uncoupled to permit'the combination of the lock to be changed, movement -obstructingelements on said bar and disabling device to prevent an uncoupling movement [of the latter without first moving the former to its released position, and movement-obstructingparts on said bar and disabling device to prevent the movement'of the former from its released position to its locked position while the latter is in its coupling disabling position.

19. A lock comprising a mounting mem her, a bar movable therein froma locked.

position to a released position, and vice versa, a keeper and a cam surfaceon said bar, a latch movable into an engaging relation with said keeper, said latch being move able to a keeper-releasing position on move-1- inent of said bar from its lockedposition to its released position, a permutation mechanism by which such movement of the latch. and bar may be conditionedjon the setting of the mechanism in accordance with a predetermined combination, said latch being. movable by said camsurface, independently of the condition off 'said permutation nism, to a' bar releasing position other than;

said keeper-releasing position, on movement of said bar from 'its' released position to' its locked posit on, and resilient means for moving said latch into engaging relation with said cam surface when released from said keeper on movement of said bar from its locked pOSliHOII to its released position, and for moving said latch into engaging relation with said keeperwhen released from sa d cam surface on f-movement ofsa1d'bar' position to ts locked from its released lock-controlling elements between their respective setting elements and the setting elements of the adjoining wheels of the series, thus necessitating the location ofthe' lockcontrolling elements of two wheels of the series adjacent eachother between their respec-v tive setting elements.

21. A permutation lock mechanism,as defined by claim 20, said mechanism being mounted in a casingwith its setting elements exposed for manipulation through windows in one of its walls, and a series of anti-picking' guards disposed between the lock-conQ trolling elements and the windows in said casings, said guards extending. from setting element to setting element throughout the series of permutation wheels. Q

22. A permutation lockmechanism, as delined by claimj20, said mechanism being mounted in a'casing with its setting'element's exposed for manipulation through windows in one of its'walls, and a series of anti-picking guards comprising cylinders in telescopic relation with the setting elements of said permutation wheels and extending from wheel to wheel throughout the series, said guards having openings therein at points directed away fromt-he windows in said casing to permit partsfoi? abolt to lie extended into cooperative relation with the lock-controlling elements, said guards being otherwise imperforate.

23].A lock comprising a mounting-memg her, a bar movable therein from a ffree posi tion to a. .fcontrolled position, and vice versa, a permutation lock mechanism to "con,-

ioo

trol inovementsofsaid bar,fand movement obstructing means cooperating withsaid mechanism to prevent the movement ofsaidf bar from its free positioiito its controlled position except when said mechanism "has been set in accordance with apredeterininedl conibination, said bar being movablefroni" an Ffiective to an ineffective position,

Iii

25. A lock, as defined by claim 23, having a cooperating connecting means between its bar and its permutation lock mechanism whereby the bar may be yieldingly held in either of its free positions and moved to the other, irrespective of the condition of the mechanism.

'26. A look comprising a mounting memher, a bar movable therein from a free position to a controlled position, and vice versa, said bar being movable from an eftective position to an ineflective position, and vice. versa, when in either its free position or its controlled position, a permutation lock mechanism to control movements of said bar, and connecting means between said mechanism and said bar whereby the latter maybe yieldingly held in one of its controlled positions from which it may be moved to its free position or to the other of its controlled positions, irrespective of the condition of the mechanism, said connecting means being such that the return of said bar from the last-mentioned position may be conditioned on the setting of the mechanism in accordance with a predetermined combination.

27. A permutation lock comprising a mounting member and a bar movably mounted therein so that it maybe shifted from one to the other of two positions from each of which it may be displaced by a movement other than its shitting movement to a new position, movement-obstructing means on said bar and mounting member whereby the shifting movement of the bar is prevented when it has been moved in the second-mentioned sense away from either of the two first-mentioned positions, and means includinga permutation lock mechanism whereby various movements of said bar with respect to said mounting member may be controlled.

28. A permutation lock comprising a mountingmember, a series of permutation wheels rotatably mounted therein a-ndeach comprising a setting element and a lockcontrolling element, the wheels at each end of the series having their lock-controlling elements between their respective setting elements and the adjacent wheels, thus necessitating the location of the lock-controlling elements of two Wheels of the series adjacent each other between their respective setting elements, a bolt slidably mounted in said mounting member for movement in a direction perpendicular with respect to the axis of the series of permutation wheels, and n1ovement-obstructing elements on said bolt and lock-controlling elements preventing a releasing movement of the bolt except when said permutation wheels are set in a predetermined relation, the arrangement of bolt and permutation wheels thus defined being such that the width of the bolt may be less than the distance between the setting elements or" the two end wheels.

29. A permutation lock comprising a cas-- ing having windows and slots therein, the slots extending beyond the ends of the windows, a permutation mechanism mounted therein having dial wheels each comprising a cylindrical indicia-bearing element and a concentric circular setting flange of increased diameter at one side of said indicia-bearing element, each of said wheels being mounted in said casing with a portion of its indiciabearing surface exposed at one of said windows, and a portion of its setting flange extended through one of said slots so as to be accessible for manipulation, the indiciabearing elements and setting flanges and their respective windows and slots being differentiated by making them right and left, a right dial having its setting flange at the right of its indicia-bearing element, and a left dial having its setting flange at the left of its indicia-bearing element, the windows and slots being correspondingly positioned.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto signed my name.

ALEXANDER G. HATCH. 

